Grand Canyon hiker dies after abandoning path due to extreme heat
Share and Follow


LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A 67-year-old Texas man died Tuesday at the Grand Canyon after abandoning an attempt to hike down to the Colorado River. He turned around and began ascending toward the rim before he was found, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

Emergency responders were dispatched after a call at about 11:50 a.m. reporting an unresponsive hiker on the South Kaibab Trail.

Medical personnel went to the site on foot, where they found bystanders had already attempted to resuscitate the man. Further efforts were unsuccessful.

NPS said the man, from Alvarado, Texas, was originally aiming to spend the night at Phantom Ranch, a lodging area for hikers and mule riders “at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.” A release from NPS did not indicate why he may have turned around.

In the news release, however, NPS warned of heat dangers which currently pose a risk to visitors of the park.

“In the summer, temperatures on exposed parts of the trail can exceed 120°F (49°C) in the shade, creating extremely hazardous conditions for hikers,” reads the release. “In addition to the heat, pre-existing medical conditions can compound physical stress, making summer hiking particularly risky, especially during the peak heat hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.”

The temperature at the rim of the Grand Canyon reached 94 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday. The temperature at the bottom of the canyon was around 20 degrees hotter.

NPS, in its release, also suggested visitors check its Key Hiking Messages webpage to learn about trail and weather conditions before embarking on any hikes.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
T.J. Watt's wife gives updates on Steelers star's collapsed lung

T.J. Watt’s Wife Provides Health Update on Steelers Star’s Recovery from Collapsed Lung

Dani Watt, wife of Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt, expressed the emotional…
Amy Schumer announces 'amicable' divorce from husband Chris Fischer after 7 years

Amy Schumer and Chris Fischer Part Ways Amicably After 7-Year Marriage

The couple shares a 6-year-old son. WASHINGTON — In a surprising announcement,…
Home explodes in California, sending debris flying into the air

Doorbell Camera Captures Shocking California House Explosion

In California, a dramatic home explosion that was captured on video resulted…
Venezuela accuses US of 'piracy' after seizing massive oil tanker

Venezuela Labels US Actions as ‘Piracy’ Following Oil Tanker Seizure

On Wednesday, Venezuela sharply criticized the U.S. for confiscating a sanctioned oil…
Mets sign infielder Jorge Polanco for $40 million after losing Pete Alonso

Mets Secure Infielder Jorge Polanco with $40M Deal Following Pete Alonso Departure

Jorge Polanco has officially joined the Mets roster. The slugging infielder signed…
Luigi Mangione judge weighs ‘potentially fatal’ evidence in fight over search of suspect’s backpack: attorney

Judge Luigi Mangione Evaluates Critical Evidence in Dispute Over Suspect’s Backpack Search, Says Attorney

In recent hearings held in New York, the spotlight was on the…
Amy Schumer announces split from husband Chris Fischer

Amy Schumer and Chris Fischer Announce Amicable Separation

Amy Schumer has revealed that she and her husband, Chris Fischer, are…
Exclusive | Stefanik calls on DOJ to ramp up probe of Hochul's homecare program following 'bombshell' email revelation

Stefanik Urges DOJ to Intensify Investigation into Hochul’s Homecare Program After Shocking Email Disclosure

Representative Elise Stefanik is urging federal authorities to intensify their investigation into…